Multi-functional device and method for working various muscle groups

ABSTRACT

A device for working various muscle groups, comprising, at least one axle member having two opposing ends comprising, a gripping portion located about midway between the opposing ends; one or more rotating members, that rotate independent of the axle member and comprise an inner contact surface; at least one member adapted to facilitate rotation of the rotating member, wherein one or more of the facilitating member is interposed between the inner contact surface of one or more of the rotating members and the axle member; and one or more fixing members for fixing one or more of the rotating members in an axial position along the axle member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to exercise equipment and more specifically to multi-functional exercise equipment and methods for working various muscle groups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are innumerable devices available for exercising various areas of the body. Some of these devices are large multi-functional devices and some are small devices for targeting a specific area of the body. However, these devices by definition are limiting. The large multi-functional devices are expensive, take up a large amount of space and are unwieldy to use or move. The small devices are limiting because they are adapted for single, specific uses. Whether using a large multi-functional device or numerous small, single-functioning devices, a person must expend a substantial amount of money to achieve a total body workout.

[0003] Dumbbells and barbells are two examples of single-functioning devices. Both dumbbells and barbells are adapted to work the arms and upper torso by gripping an axial bar, fitted with free weights, with the user's hand/s and lifting and lowering the user's hands and all or a portion of the user's arm/s in various directions. Various problems with these devices have been identified and others have designed variations of these devices to address the problems. For example, one problem, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,020 by Schnell, U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,300 by Hightower and U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,035 by Jennings et al., is the strain that the devices exert on the user's wrists and hands because the components of the device, including the axial bar and the weights, are set in a fixed position relative to each other. Schnell disclosed that rotation of the gripping portions of the devices, relative to the axial bar and the weights, is important so that the user can grip and move the device through various weightlifting positions with exerting excessive strain on the user's wrists and hands. Schnell noted that, although others had designed devices having a rotatable gripping portion, these devices were time-consuming and costly to make and were subject to undue wear and tear. Thus to address the issue, Schnell discloses a weightlifting bar over which two opposing tube sections are fitted, at the extreme opposing ends of the bar, which are adapted to rotate about the opposing ends of the bar. However, although Schnell's central axial bar is able to rotate relative to the tube sections at the opposing ends of the device, Schnell does not disclose how his axial bar will rotate relative to the weights which are interposed between Schell's end tubes and the central gripping portion of the axial bar. Moreover, Schnell's tube sections and rotational means require numerous parts to achieve rotation and further require numerous additional parts to maintain the tube sections and rotational means in their respective positions relative to the axial bar. Hightower and Jennings et al., on the other hand, disclose barbells with rotating, multi-positional, ring-shaped grips that allow the user to lift the barbell with the user's hands and wrists in more rotational positions than were available previously. However, Schell's, Hightower's and Jennings et al.'s bars are still single-functioning devices that are adapted for lifting and lowering weights to work the arms and upper torso.

[0004] There are a few, small devices known that are designed to perform more than one function, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,284 by Wesley and U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,305 by Selsam. Wesley discloses a flexible barbell with weight-receiving vessels fixed to the opposing ends of the barbell that are adapted to be filled with various materials such as sand and water. Wesley's axial bar is flexible so that the user can insert the user's feet, in a standing position, into stirrups attached to the extreme outer ends of the bar and then lift the user's legs up in a marching fashion to work the leg muscles. Wesley's bar may be used as a rigid barbell by inserting an elongated rigid bar into a central bore through the axial bar. Selsam discloses a device that can be filled with ballast materials that has both an opening through the device and an outer flat surface so that user can insert a hand or foot through the opening or place the device on the ground and use the flat surface as a step for stepping exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a compact, multi-functional, cost-effective exercise device for working various muscle groups.

[0006] It is a further object of this invention to provide a physical fitness device adapted to serve simultaneously as a hand-held free weight and as a means for working the entire upper torso in a prone position.

[0007] It is further object of this invention to provide a weightlifting bar that simultaneously serves as a bilateral-wheeled device for working the upper torso, including the abdominal muscles, by gripping the device and rolling it to and fro on a surface while in a prone position.

[0008] It is further object of this invention to provide an axial bar with bilateral-wheels that is adapted to exercise the abdominal muscles wherein the mechanism for rotating the wheels relative to the axial bar comprises a bushing interposed between an inner annular surface of each wheel and the axial bar.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, for working various muscle groups, generally comprises: at least one axle member having two opposing ends comprising, a gripping portion located about midway between the opposing ends; one or more rotating members, that rotate independent of the axle member and comprise an inner contact surface; at least one means for rotating the rotating member, wherein one or more of the means for rotating is interposed between the inner contact surface of one or more of the rotating members and the axle member; and one or more means for fixing one or more of the rotating members in an axial position along the axle member; wherein the rotating member preferably has an annular outer perimeter and a central opening through which at least a portion of the axle member is passed. The device preferably comprises at least a pair of rotating members, wherein the rotating members are fixed about the axle member so that the gripping portion is interposed between the pair of rotating member.

[0010] Typically, one or more of the rotating members of the device comprises, a weighted member having an annular outer perimeter and a central opening through which at least a portion of the axle member is passed, and wherein one or more of the means for rotating comprises one or more bushings interposed between the inner contact surface of one or more of the rotating members and the axle member; wherein the means for fixing comprises at least one cam lock interposed between one or more of the rotating member and at least one of the opposing ends of the axle member; and wherein one or more of the rotating members may comprise a wheel.

[0011] The device may still further comprise a gripping member provided about the gripping portion of the axle member and one or more means for selectively adding weight to the axle member.

[0012] The preferred method of the invention for a person to alternatively perform free weight exercises and abdominal exercises; comprises the steps of: providing at least one device for working various muscle groups, comprising, at least one axle member having two opposing ends comprising, a gripping portion located about midway between the opposing ends; one or more rotating members, that rotate independent of the axle member and comprise an inner contact surface; at least one means for rotating the rotating member, wherein one or more of the means for rotating is interposed between the inner contact surface of one or more of the rotating members and the axle member; and one or more means for fixing one or more of the rotating members in an axial position along the axle member; moving the device in one or more directions that oppose gravity to carry out one or more free weight exercises; placing the device on a surface; and rolling the device on the surface in one or more directions, to cause one or more of the rotating members to rotate, to carry out one or more abdominal exercises. The device used in the preferred method preferably comprises one or more of the rotating members that comprise a weighted member having an annular outer perimeter and a central opening through which at least a portion of the axle member is passed. Further, one or more of the means for rotating may comprise one or more bushings interposed between the inner contact surface of one or more of the rotating members and the axle member. The device may also include one or more means for selectively adding weight to the axle member.

[0013] The device of the invention is the result of efforts to design a piece of exercise equipment that is compact in size but capable of working the entire body. The device is adapted to exercise and target the chest and abdominal areas at the same time, or to exercise and target specific areas of the body independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a side view and a cross-sectional view of the rotating member of the device of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a front view of the axle member of the device of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a front view of the bushing of the means for rotating the rotating member of the device of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a side view and a cross-sectional view of a the means for adding weight of the device of the invention; and

[0020]FIG. 6 is a side view and a cross-sectional view of another means for adding weight of the device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention features a multi-functional device for working various muscle groups of the body that is adapted for use as a free-weight and as a means for working the upper torso in a prone position.

[0022] The preferred embodiment of the device of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is generally referred to as device 10. Device 10 includes at least one axle member 12, having two opposing ends 13 a and 13 b and a gripping portion 21 located about midway between the opposing ends. Device 10 further includes a pair of rotating members 16 that rotate independent of axle member 12 and one or more pairs of means for adding weight to axle member 12. Device 10 is shown in FIG. 1 with two pairs of means for adding weight (pairs 18 and 19). The rotating member and/or the means for adding weight to the axle member are fixed in place about axle member 12 with a means for fixing, e.g. cam locks 14. Device 10 may also comprise one or more tubular gripping members having a bore through the center of each member, such as foam rubber grip 20 that is frictionally fixed in place about gripping portion 21 of axle member 12.

[0023] Rotating member 16, having the general shape of a wheel, has an annular outer perimeter 30 and a central opening, bore 24, through which at least a portion of axle member 12 is passed. The wheel preferably has a wheel base or rim 17 which may have one or more openings 15 through the wheel base in addition to bore 24. The pair of rotating members 16, as shown in FIG. 1, are preferably about the same weight and are fixed to axle member 12 so that gripping portion 21 is interposed between the pair of rotating members and so that the rotating members are approximately equally distanced from opposing ends 13 a and 13 b to balance the overall weight of device 10. The inner diameter of bore 24 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of axle member 12. A means for rotating, preferably metal bushing 22, is interposed between the inner surface of bore 24 and the outer surface of axle member 12 so that rotating members 16 rotate smoothly about axle member 12 without wearing the outer surface of axle member 12 or the inner surface of bore 24 of rotating members 16. The width of bushing 22 should be about the same width as rotating member 16. Other suitable means for rotating may be used including, but not limited to, other known types of metal and non-metal bearings that will allow the rotating members to rotate independent of the axle member without unduly wearing the components.

[0024] Axle member 12, as shown in FIG. 3, is generally cylindrical along its length. Axle member 12 preferably has two snap ring grooves 28 in the outer surface of axle member 12 at the approximate end points of gripping portion 21 of axle member 12 which are preferably equidistant from opposing ends 13 a and 13 b. The outer perimeters 26, of opposing ends 13 a and 13 b of axle member 12, are preferably chamfered to minimize sharp edges.

[0025] The means for adding weight to axle member 12, in addition to the weight of the rotating members, preferably comprises paired weighted members, such as disc pairs 18 and 19 having central openings 32 and 38, (FIGS. 5 and 6) respectively, through which axle member 12 is passed. Each pair of weighted members should be about the same weight to maintain the balance of device 10. Similar to the outer edges of the ends of axle member 12, the outer peripheral edges 34 and 40 of weighted members 18 and 19, respectively, are preferably chamfered.

[0026] Device 10 is assembled by first sliding the gripping member over axle member 12 until the gripping member is centrally positioned about the axle member. Then each of opposing ends 13 a and 13 b of axle member 12 are passed through a rotating member so that the gripping member is interposed between two rotating members. Then each of the opposing ends is passed through one or more weighted discs, in pairs, so that each disc is pushed up against a rotating member. The weighted pairs are preferably provided in a range of weights to selectively add and adjust the amount of weight added to the device as desired. Finally, each end of the axle member is inserted into a cam lock so that the rotating members and weighted members are fixed in position along the axle member at either end of the centrally located gripping member. Other suitable means may be used to fix the rotating member in position along the axle member including, but not limited to, set screws, pins and end caps.

[0027] Device 10 may be used alone or in pairs as free weights or as a means to work the upper torso in a prone, kneeling position. For the latter use, while the person kneels in a prone position on a secure surface, a pair of the devices is placed on the floor so that the axle member of each device is parallel to the surface. The devices are then rolled forward and back along the surface, while the person grips each pair of devices with his or her left and right hand, so that the person's upper body is extended forward as the devices are rolled forward, and brought backward to the original kneeling position as the devices are rolled backward. This exercise works many of the muscle groups of the upper torso, including the arms, chest, back and abdomen, as well as some of muscles in the upper legs and lower torso. When used as a free weight, the device can be used to target specific muscle groups. For a more challenging upper torso workout, a single device can be used, while kneeling in a prone position, by rolling the device to and fro with only one hand.

[0028] Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only as some feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention.

[0029] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for working various muscle groups, comprising, at least one axle member having two opposing ends comprising, a gripping portion located about midway between said opposing ends; one or more rotating members, that rotate independent of said axle member and comprise an inner contact surface; at least one means for rotating said rotating member, wherein one or more of said means for rotating is interposed between said inner contact surface of one or more of said rotating members and said axle member; and one or more means for fixing one or more of said rotating members in an axial position along said axle member.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said rotating member has an annular outer perimeter and a central opening through which at least a portion of said axle member is passed.
 3. The device of claim 1, comprising at least a pair of rotating members, wherein said rotating members are fixed about said axle member so that said gripping portion is interposed between said pair of rotating members.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more of said rotating members comprises, a weighted member having an annular outer perimeter and a central opening through which at least a portion of said axle member is passed, and wherein one or more of said means for rotating comprises one or more bushings interposed between said inner contact surface of one or more of said rotating members and said axle member.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein said means for fixing comprises at least one cam lock interposed between one or more of said rotating member and at least one of said opposing ends of said axle member.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprises a gripping member provided about said gripping portion of said axle member.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more means for selectively adding weight to said axle member.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more of said rotating members comprises a wheel.
 9. A method for a person to alternatively perform free weight exercises and abdominal exercises, comprising the steps of; providing at least one device for working various muscle groups, comprising, at least one axle member having two opposing ends comprising, a gripping portion located about midway between said opposing ends; one or more rotating members, that rotate independent of said axle member and comprise an inner contact surface; at least one means for rotating said rotating member, wherein one or more of said means for rotating is interposed between said inner contact surface of one or more of said rotating members and said axle member; and one or more means for fixing one or more of said rotating members in an axial position along said axle member; moving at least one of said devices in one or more directions that oppose gravity to carry out one or more free weight exercises; placing at least one of said devices on a surface; and rolling at least one of said devices on said surface in one or more directions, to cause one or more of said rotating members to rotate, to carry out one or more abdominal exercises.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein one or more of said rotating members comprises, a weighted member having an annular outer perimeter and a central opening through which at least a portion of said axle member is passed, and wherein one or more of said means for rotating comprises one or more bushings interposed between said inner contact surface of one or more of said rotating members and said axle member.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein said device further comprises one or more means for selectively adding weight to said axle member.
 12. A device for working various muscle groups, comprising, at least one axle member having two opposing ends comprising, a gripping portion located about midway between said opposing ends; at least one pair of rotating members, that rotate independent of said axle member and comprise an inner contact surface, wherein said rotating members are fixed about said axle member so that said gripping portion is interposed between said pair of rotating members; at least one means for rotating said rotating member, wherein one or more of said means for rotating is interposed between said inner contact surface of one or more of said rotating members and said axle member, and wherein one or more of said means for rotating comprises one or more bushings; and one or more means for fixing one or more of said rotating members in an axial position along said axle member.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein said means for fixing comprises at least one cam lock interposed between one or more of said rotating members and at least one of said opposing ends of said axle member.
 14. The device of claim 12, further comprises a gripping member provided about said gripping portion of said axle member.
 15. The device of claim 12, further comprising one or more means for selectively adding weight to said axle member; and wherein one or more of said rotating members comprises a wheel. 